ECM Failure: 5 Symptoms

Maintaining a vehicle’s components and engine is essential for its long-term health. And considering that the Engine Control Module is your vehicle’s brain, it needs to be treated like royalty.

Engine Control Modules are designed to give you a smooth drive. But negligence and improper maintenance can lead to more breakdowns than you’d like.

If the ECM starts to malfunction and misinterprets the data coming from a vehicle’s various sensors, the performance of your vehicle can be drastically impacted. This includes its responsiveness and ability to generate power.

The following are some common symptoms of a failing ECM:

Check to see if the Engine Light Is On

Your ECM is a computer, so it can detect internal malfunctions. The check engine light beside your speed-o-meter is an indication that something is wrong with the computer, sensors, or the circuit.

There might be instances when the light comes on ‘without any reason.’ This could be a problem with the code. You might have to get the ECM reprogrammed in this case.

Engine Misfiring and Engine Performance Issues  

A faulty computer can cause the vehicle to misfire or stall.

A failing ECM will proportionally affect the engine. The timing and fuel settings might change as a result, which can adversely affect the engine’s performance.

Vehicle Not Starting

The ECM is where all the commands that power your car are processed. If it’s not working correctly, you can’t expect your vehicle to respond as it should—even if the vehicle is turning on.

However, when a vehicle doesn’t start, it might not be an ECM problem. Hence, it is a smart idea to run a diagnostic test with the help of a proficient technician.

A Drop In Fuel Economy

A failing ECM doesn’t allow your engine to comprehend how much fuel should be burned during the combustion process. Hence, the vehicle starts to consume more gas than it should. If you don’t get your ECM checked in time, you’ll have to pay more for gas.  

CATECM specializes in CATECM replacements and repairs. Our technicians have years of experience in troubleshooting ECM problems in Caterpillar vehicles, offering services throughout the United States.

Get in touch with us today for more information on our services, which include truck ECM replacements, marine ECM repairs, ECM remanufacturing and more.